Scott Redding has refused to give up on the Moto2 World Championship after declaring his intention to race in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. The Briton looked set to miss the race at Motegi after fracturing his left wrist in qualifying at Phillip Island but after intense rehabilitation, Redding has been passed fit by the circuit’s medical staff, subject to further checks after Friday practice.
The Marc VDS rider trails Pol Espargaro by sixteen points in the title chase and extending the championship battle to the season finale at Valencia is Redding’s primary goal.
Redding arrives at the Motegi Medical Centre (Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)
“There was no way I was going home after Australia, not when there was even an outside chance I could ride in Japan. Even after the surgery on Sunday morning I knew I was going to Japan to try and ride. The surgery was a success, Dr. Andrew Oppy and his staff did a great job, and the recovery has been exactly as expected. From Sunday morning onwards I’ve been working to restore the movement and strength in my left hand and, as the medical staff here at Motegi have now confirmed, I’m fit to ride. I have to undergo another assessment after the two free practice sessions tomorrow, but I’ll know straight away whether it’s possible to race. If I’m fit to race then the goal has to be to ensure the championship battle goes down to the final round in Valencia, for which I’ll have had more recovery time.”
Espargaro could clinch the intermediate class title this weekend if he outscores Redding by nine points, meaning the Briton must finish in the top two to ensure the fight goes on to Valencia.
